WHAT'S THE TIME, LITTLE WOLF?

Little Wolf And Smellybreff

by Ian Whybrow, Tony Ross (Illustrator)

Little Wolf and his brother Smellybreff play a naughty trick in their quest for dinner.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Paperback

First published May 2, 2006

About the author

Ian Whybrow is a British writer of children's books, first published in 1989. He has written over 100 books for children, has been translated into 27 languages and is published in 28 countries. His books are humorous and range from picture books to novels, short stories and poetry.

Reviews

[Noor જ⁀➴⋆.˚ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ll go by saying I don’t think it was suitable for my 5 years old child. The story is about bad wolves, one of them is doing his best not to be good. Their father got hot temper as his little children woke him up with their loud noise. So their mother sent the little wolf and his baby brother to bring some piggies for dinner. such a nice storyline for kids.

After their misfortune getting wet, being stung by bees (the part that actually made my little child cry), and having a tantrum.. try to explain this unnecessary part to a child, the two wolves tricked some mice and rabbits and brought them home where they got cooked for dinner! and there I had to read this part quickly and close the story straight away.

This story might suit older children, or maybe some children.. it certainly didn’t suit mine or suit my taste for children’s books.

[Chloe Price · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't have any particularly strong opinions on this book until i read others' reviews and they gave me a different perspective. I suppose the story could be interpreted as slightly savage (as the wolves are eating other little 'cute' animals) but I feel like for children it would just come across as amusing rather than condoning animal violence. Also thought the characters' names were amusing, e.g 'Smellybreff'.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps more suitable as an older child’s sophisticated picture book where bigger themes and connections can be discussed. For example, finding out the history behind other children’s games such as “Ring Around the Rosie"

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I see from the comments that lots of parents aren't keen on the book - but their kids are into the road kill theme.

Reminds me that we can't know what our children will enjoy and that they won't be scarred for life by seeing anthropomorphized wolves sitting down to a bunny and mice dinner. The wolves are dressed in clothes parents - the kids know it's NOT REAL!

Having got that out - I wasn't that keen on the story myself, because whining little brothers are just annoying.

[Breanna Shofner]

What's the Time, Little Wolf is a twist on the traditional children's game. This book is about two wolves who are on a hunt to find dinner. Through its graphic illustrations, the story explains the reality of animals in the wilderness.

I would use this book in the classroom to explain the food chain. Even though it is sad, students would learn the reality about animals and hunting.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elliott really has been enjoying this one.
It creeps me out.
This book is not incredibly easy to read. At the end when the little wolfs end up catching a bunch of nosy mice and rabbits for pie it makes me sad.
Elliott thinks its hilarious.

[Karissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book creeps me out. It centers around two little wolves who have to catch dinner... and has illustrations of them catching mice and rabbits to put in their sack and of the mice and rabbits on their plate for dinner! It makes me sad.

[Tricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

absolutely sick and twisted tale of wolves catching dinner complete with pictures of the cooked prey. very icky.

[Agen Schmitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly, the boy kinda likes the book -- even with images of cooked prey.